Turkey and Belgium are preparing to explore new avenues of cooperation in key sectors, notably defense and energy, during a high-level economic mission led by Mathilde of Belgium from May 10 to 14.
The delegation is expected to hold in-depth economic and trade discussions covering energy, defense industries, logistics connectivity and transport.
Commenting on this visit, Türkiye’s ambassador to Brussels, Gorkem Baris Tantekin, indicated on Saturday that this mission marked a new phase in bilateral relations.
“This economic visit, organized for the first time in 14 years, can be considered as the start of a new phase in a renewed context,” he declared.
According to him, Belgium, as a founding member of the European Union and a NATO ally, approaches its relations with Turkey from a strategic angle.
The Belgian delegation will begin its visit with trips to companies in the Turkish defense industry in Ankara and Istanbul, illustrating the importance given to this sector.
The mission will focus on strategic areas such as energy, defense industries, space, aviation, as well as logistics and transport, considered as determining factors for future economic and geopolitical developments.
Gorkem Baris Tantekin added that Ankara’s priorities include the development of trade, the establishment of partnerships in third countries, as well as broader issues such as updating the customs union with the EU and strengthening integration in value chains.
He also described this visit as a major political opportunity to redefine relations with the European Union and NATO within a broader strategic framework.
*Translated from English by Ben Amed Azize Zougmore
